Tributes paid to Sir Richard Sutton from former Newbury MP Richard Benyon and Lord Iliffe

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of West Berkshire’s largest landowners, Sir Richard Sutton, after he died during an incident at his home in Dorset last week.

Sir Richard, 83 who owns the 6,000 acre Benham Estate in Marsh Benham as well as a number of hotels and other properties across the country, died at the scene.

His partner Anne Schreiber, 65, was also found with serious injuries and was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where she remains in a critical condition. It is believed they were both stabbed.

Following the incident, 34-year-old Thomas Schreiber was arrested and subsequently charged with murder, attempted murder and dangerous driving.

A statement published by Sir Richard Sutton Limited the day after his death said: “We are deeply saddened and devastated by the sudden death of Sir Richard Sutton, announced this morning.

“Sir Richard was a caring, generous and warm family man, who genuinely regarded those who worked for him as part of his extended family.

“Sir Richard was passionately devoted to both his company and its people, setting the highest standards for quality in the hotel, farming and property interests within the group.

“His loss will be felt by everyone within the company, those who worked with him, and his family who have lost an incredible individual. Our thoughts are with the Sutton family at this tragic time.”

In a second statement released on Sunday, a spokesman for Sir Richard Sutton Limited said: “Our thoughts are with Anne Schreiber, who remains in a critical condition in hospital and was a hugely important part of Sir Richard’s life, especially in his later years. After caring for Sir Richard for a long period, we in turn wish her a swift and full recovery.

“Though separated, Sir Richard also remained on good terms with his wife, Lady Fiamma, and very close to their children, who are mourning the loss of a devoted father.

“Employees across the group have been united in their shock at what has happened and will need time to come to terms with the loss of such an influential figure.”

Lord Iliffe, the owner of the Yattendon Estate and a close friend of Sir Richard’s, said: “My wife and I were greatly shocked to hear of the death of Sir Richard, the devastating way in which it happened and the appalling injuries to Anne. We have been close mates for many years and have enjoyed wonderful sporting times together.

"Sir Richard was greatly loved by all those who were privileged to have known him and especially those who worked with and for him.

“He always treated them as part of his extended family and he will be enormously missed.

“We continue to think of Anne and the rest of his family.”

Former Newbury MP Richard Benyon said: “I knew Sir Richard well and I am horrified by his death and the injuries to his partner Anne.

“It was a great privilege for me to visit the Benham Estate, which he owned, and wonderful to see how respected he was by everyone there.

“My thoughts are with his partner Anne and the rest of his family at this terrible time.”